Parents' views and experiences about complementary and alternative medicine treatments for their children with autistic spectrum disorder.

Abstract

Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments have been increasing for children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, 38 Turkish parents of children with ASD were surveyed related with their use of CAM treatments, experiences, and views for each treatment. They mentioned "Vitamins and minerals", "Special Diet", "Sensory Integration", "Other Dietary Supplements", and "Chelation" as five frequently used CAM treatments. Communication, learning, health, and behavior were the main four areas rated as "improved" after five CAM treatments. Negative sides of treatments were listed as being expensive, difficult to apply, or harmful. The parents' views on some treatments have varied from great improvement to worse. Reported improvements were considerably higher than the negative sides of the treatments.